Item Description:
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Amds to two Agmts with local agencies to provide adult diversion services to the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office, ext end dates to 06/30/26 and incr combined NTE to $2,411,307
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Resolution:
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BE IT RESOLVED, that Amendments to the following Agreements to provide adult diversion services to the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office extending the contract end dates to June 30, 2026 and increasing the combined not to exceed amount to $2,411,307 be approved:
• PR00002795 with Diversion Solutions, Amendment 6 increasing the not to exceed amount from $1,748,770 to $1,936,307
• PR00002796 with Restorative Justice Community Action, Amendment 5 increasing the not to exceed amount from $420,000 to $475,000
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the total combined funding available for the two contracts above shall not exceed $2,411,307; that the department will manage the contract expenditures within this funding allocation; that the Chair of the Board be authorized to sign the Amendments on behalf of the County; and that the Controller be authorized to disburse the funds as directed.
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Background:
The Hennepin County Attorney’s Office (HCAO) is committed to diverting certain criminal cases out of the justice system so as to address the underlying reasons behind the defendant’s actions and behavior and prevent future harm. Diversion Solutions and Restorative Justice Community Action (RJCA) are the current adult diversion providers. The HCAO plans to issue an RFP in late 2025, with the goal of increasing the use of restorative justice, expanding diversion criteria, and shifting to individualized diversion programming.
Diversion Solutions provides services for participants in pre- and post-charge diversion services. Most referrals currently involve drug and/or property felony charges. The diversion program involves community service, referral to treatment and community supports, and the collection of restitution.
RJCA brings a restorative justice approach to diversion cases. Their program involves community reparative panels and outreach to crime victims. Program outcomes include: offender accountability, community and victim empowerment, community satisfaction, and reduced criminal behavior.
recommendation
Recommendation from County Administrator: Recommend Approval